Schistosomiasis

A parasitic disease common throughout Asia, Africa and tropical America that is caused by an infestation with blood flukes belonging to the genus Schistosoma. Adults live in the blood vessels of visceral organs. Eggs make their way into the bladder or intestine and are discharged in urine or feces. The eggs go through a complicated development process and enter the final host directly through the skin or mucous membrane. Infestation occurs when people wade or bathe in water contaminated by the parasite.